With a total construction cost of ¥5 billion, the sleeper train is designed to provide passengers, who all will stay in suites, with a luxurious trip experience, JR East said.

The operator showed the Shiki-Shima, which means four-season island in Japanese, to the media at Nikkō Station in Tochigi Prefecture during a crew training session ahead of the start of commercial services.

“I want to get ready to offer the best service to passengers,” said Munehira Hiromi, a 41-year-old crew member.